Inside

Risk Factors/Signs and Symptoms

Research is increasing regarding what we know about mesothelioma. Scientists are learning more about its causes.

Most people with malignant mesothelioma have worked or lived in places where they inhaled or swallowed asbestos.

Other risk factors for malignant mesothelioma include the following:

Living with a person who works near asbestos.

Exposure to zeolites, which are minerals that are chemically related to asbestos.

Infection with Simian Virus 40 (SV40.) Some injectable polio vaccines given between 1955 and 1963 were contaminated with SV40. As many as 30 million people in the United States may have been exposed to the virus.

Signs and Symptoms

These and other symptoms may be signs of mesothelioma. Consult a doctor if any of the following should occur: